The 30-year-old Brit will star alongside Alden Ehrenreich, who is playing titular character Solo, and Donald Glover, who was recently cast as Lando Calrissian.

Creed star Tessa Thompson, actress and singer Zoe Kravitz, Naomi Scott and Adria Arjona have all been in the running for a part in the film, according to The Hollywood Reporter. However, it’s unknown if Emilia has been cast in the female lead role they tested for.

The film is number two of three planned Star Wars prequel anthology films which will be directed by The LEGO Movie duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller - and will show Harrison Ford’s legendary character in his formative years.

Rogue One, the first Star Wars prequel, is released in cinemas next month. It follows a team of rebels who plot to steal plans that go on to create the Death Star.